Republican senators Bob Corker of Tennessee and John Hoeven brokered the border security deal that is expected to help gain Republican support for the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" immigration reform bill.

The amendment to the bill requires 20,000 more border agents, completing 700 miles of fence along the boundary with Mexico, and deploying $3.2 billion in technology upgrades similar to equipment used by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When asked how many Republican senators will vote for the amendment - and the bill in general if the amendment is part of it - Corker was optimistic.

"A good number," said Corker. "I know that we've gotten a very good response. We've added co-sponsors to the amendment itself."

"I think we're going to garner a good deal of support, and I think that will add a lot of momentum to this bill, and solve the problem that so many people in Tennessee and across this country have, which is the issue of dealing with border security. We haven't had those inputs in the past," said Corker. "Those inputs all have to be in place before a green card status can be achieved."
A senior demographer at the Pew Hispanic Center told CNN he estimates that a little over 40% of the 11 million in the U.S. illegally came into the U.S. legally and overstayed their visas as opposed to those who came across the border.

Corker said the bill addresses those individuals. Prior to obtaining a green card, the exit visa program has to be fully in place, he said.

"The measure does have some interior security issues to go along with that. But that is the fourth trigger, if you will, in this bill does provide that the exit visa system has to be fully in place," said Corker.

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